Walking aid



United States Patent Dennis Hesterman Delaware City, DeL;

Lewis E. Greth, Cinnaminson, NJ. 825,361

May 16, 1969 Dec. 29, 1970 Dynamic Products Development Inc.Wilimington, Del.

a corporation of Delaware Inventors Appl. No. Filed Patented AssigneeWALKING AID 15 Claims, 17 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 135/45, Int. CL... A45b 03/00 A45b/Ol/0O Field of Search 135/45,47, 49, 50; 248/166, 167, 168; 287/(lnquired) [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,518,763 8/1950 Du Bols l35/45A 2,642,074 6/1953Pedley et a1. 135/45 2,694,542 11/1954 Barbaroff 248/168 2,771,08911/1956 Magida 135/50 2,811,978 11/1957 Russell l35/50X 3,178,143 4/1965Gustin..... 248/168 3,421,529 1/1969 Vestal 135/45A PrimaryExaminerPeter M. Caun Attorney-Connolly and Bull ABSTRACT: A walking aidcomprises a body member having central stem or cane with a handleportion and a plurality of angularly arranged legs removably secured tothe body. Each of the legs is rotatable and extendable so that thepositioning and numbering of the legs may be varied in accordance withthe needs of an individual user.

' PATENTED 050291970 SHEET 2 [IF 3 1 WALKING AID BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to a walking aid for physically handicappedindividuals particularly individuals lacking muscular, balance orcoordination control, associated for example with neuromuscular diseasessuch as cerebral palsy. Various appliances exist in the prior art suchas exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,81 1,978 which are intended as awalking aid. Such appliances, however, do not afford the versatility toeffectively serve as a therapeutic device to be used in a plannedprogram for neuromuscular development.

A further disadvantage with the lack of flexibility in prior art deviceshaving a plurality of fixed legs is that the user frequently has atendency to kick or step into one or more of the legs. Moreover suchdevices are bulky and cumbersome and difficult to store or transport.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide a walkingaid which is both versatile in use and economic in manufacture.

A further object is to provide a device which is light in weight andaesthetically appealing.

In accordance with this invention the walking aid includes a body memberhaving a central stem or cane with a handle portion and a plurality ofremovable legs angularly secured to the body member. Each of the legs isrotatable and can be adjusted to any desirable lengthso that thepositioning and numberingof the legs can be varied in accordance withthe needs of a user. Thus for example at the beginning of a plannedneuromuscular developmental program a number of legs, such as four legs,can be arranged in such a manner as to establish the optimum baseconfiguration of stability for the particular user. As neuromuscularcontrol improves the legs can be successively removed and the user canprogressively be weaned to the extent that eventually all that remainsof the walking aid is the cane.

In an advantageous form ofthis invention the handle portion of the stemis J-shaped with the longer leg of the I being substantially horizontalto act as the gripping portion for the user so that the force exerted bythe user will be directly above the stem. g

Each of the legs may include a knuckle fitting in a respective openingin the body member to permit rotation therebetween with matingserrations being provided to hold the leg in a predetermined rotationalposition. Similarly each leg may have a primary leg portion pivotallysecured to the knuckle with mating serrations being provided to hold theprimary leg portion in predetermined angular positions. In accordancewith another aspect of this invention the device is particularlyadaptable for use by children in that the device can be made to simulatean animal by providing a removable head caricature on the handle withremovable decorative sleeves being on-the stern and legs to carry outthe theme of the caricature.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a walking aid inaccordance with'this invention:

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the walking aid shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the walking aid of FIGS. 1- 2 in amodified form;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a portion of the walking aid shown inFIGS. l2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view walking aid shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 67 are elevational views of the walking aid shown in FIGS. l- -2in different phases of use;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a modified handle portion of of a portionof a the walking aid shownin FIGS; l-2;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 2 alongv the line9-9;

FIG. 10 is an assembly view of a portion of the walking aid shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the walking aid shown inFIG. 10 in accordance with another aspect of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a portion of a modified leg;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through F IG. 12 along the line13-13;

FIGS. 14-15 are front and side views of a modified plug;

FIG. 16 shows a modified handle portion; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view through FIG. 16 along the line 17-17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a walking aid 10 in accordance withthis invention. As indicated therein walking aid 10 includes a centralcasting or body member 12 somewhat in the shape of a fourleaf cloverhaving a central aperture for receiving the stem or can 14 and alsohaving four radially spaced apertures for receiving legs 16. Each leg 16includes a primary leg portion 18 and secondary leg portion 20telescopically arranged therein so that the effective length of leg 16can be adjusted. Primary leg 18 also has a series of spaced openings 22which cooperate with spring button 25 (FIG. 5) to adjustably lock eachleg at a fixed length.

As best shown in FIG. 9 the hollow primary leg portion 18 has at itsupper end a head portion or plug 24 which is pivotally connected toknuckle 26 so that the positioning of each leg 16 with respect to thecentral casting or body 12 can be adjusted. Additionally, knuckle 26 isrotationally received in the body aperture to provide completeversatility in the positioning of legs 16.

Advantageously, the inner surface of openings 28 in body member 12 areprovided with longitudinal serrations with the serrations being forexample 12 apart. These serrations mate with the longitudinal serrations30 on knuckle 26 (FIG. 10) to assure a secure locking of the leg 18 inits rotational positioning when fastener 32 is tightened. Similarly,serrations are provided to control the pivoting of primary leg 18 withrespect to its knuckle 26. FIG. 10 for example illustrates one form ofsuch serrations wherein head portion 24 and knuckle 26 includeserrations 34, 36 which mate with the serrations 38 on apertured post 40so that the angular positioning can be securely held in place whenfastener 42 is tightened into post 40. It has been found that foreffectively using the walking aid 10 it is desirable to limit pivotingmovement to a maximum of 45 from the vertical outward as indicated byangle A in FIG. 9. Accordingly, stops 44 are provided on knuckle 26which act as abutments for projection 46 on head 24 to prevent anyangular movement beyond this 45 range.

FIG. 7 shows an advantageous alternative manner of providing a positiveangular locking action between the knuckle and leg. As indicated thereinthe aperture in knuckle 26a is smooth and serrations 36a are provided onthe face of knuckle 260 which mate with serrations on the juxtaposedface of the head 24. With such an arrangement of the serrations the postwhich would be inserted in aperture 31 can have a smooth outer surface.

Head or plug 24 is similarly connected to primary leg 18 by being notonly press fit but also by means of an adhesive. The adhesive action isenhanced by the provision of circumferential grooves or serrations 48 onthe outer surface of recessed portion 50 of head 24. Thus, theserrations or grooves act as pockets for the adhesive to assure aneffective bond between head 24 and primary leg 18.

FIGS. 12-13 show a particularly advantageous manner of adjusting thelength of legs 16. As indicated therein head 24 (which may be nylon)includes the adhesive grooves or serrations 48 similar to FIG. 9. Thesecurement of the head 24 in primary leg 18 is also aided by crimping61. Threaded extension 63 is provided on the end of recessed portion 50and is threadably engaged with nut 65 permanently mounted withinsecondary leg portion 20. With this arrangement by rotating secondaryleg portion the effective length of leg 16 can be quickly andconveniently adjusted without the necessity for holes 22 and springbutton 25. Once the desired length of leg 16 is obtained, primary leg 18and secondary leg 20 are securely locked together by conventionaltwist-lock arrange ment 67 which, for example includes inner eccentricmember 69 secured to primary leg 18 and pressed against secondary leg 20by rotating outer member 71.

Central stem 14 is constructed in a somewhat similar manner to legs 16in that the central stem includes a primary stem portion 52 and atelescopic secondary portion 54 which is held in place by the action ofa retractable spring button on secondary stem portion 54 in one of theopenings 56 of primary stem portion 52. In this manner the effectivelength of stem 14 can conveniently be adjusted.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 body 12 includes a split casting collar58 which has a pair ofjuxtaposed flanges 60 secured together by fastener62 to control the size of the opening formed in the collar 58. Thus stem14 can be rotated or moved vertically to its desired position byloosening fastener 62 and then held in this position by the tighteningof the fastener. As shown in FIG. 9 the rotational and sliding movementsof stem 14 are enhanced by the provision for example of a split nylonbushing 64. Since it has been found economical to use metal for variouselements of the walking aid such as for the casting or central member 12and the legs 16 and stem 14 the provision of the nonmetallic bushing 64prevents any metal to metal binding.

The upper end of stem 14 is provided with an integral J- shaped handleportion which has the longer leg of the J horizontally disposed in sucha manner that the user will exert his force directly above the mainportion of the stern and central member to provide greater stabilityduring use. Additionally, removable shock absorbing nonslip caps 66 aresecured to the lower end of each leg and stem to act as cushioningmembers and to prevent the metal legs or stem from slipping, scratchingor otherwise causing damage. If desired cap 66 may be of theconventional self-leveling type.

As is apparent, because of the various possible adjustments of legs 16and stem 14 a countless number of different positions is possible withwalking aid 10. This feature is particularly important when consideringthat not only do the needs of individuals vary from case to case, butalso the needs of the same individual vary from time to time. Thus thesingle walking aid 10 can be effectively be used throughout areambulatory or gait training program. In a particular situation legs 16an be arranged in such a manner to provide the proper angle and basedimensions needed for optimum stability at that particular time. At thebeginning ofa gait training program for example all four legs would beused to maximize the stability of the walking aid. As the userprogresses in neuromuscular control, one of the legs 16 can be removedso that only three legs remain, or as shown in FIG. 6 stem 14 can belowered to act as the fourth leg. Again as the user continues toprogress in muscular development another leg can be removed, as shown inFIG. 7, to decrease the base area and, if desired, increase the heightof walking aid 10. The legs continue to be removed and the angularpositioning thereof adjusted until the user is weaned from the walkingaid 10 so that all remains is the stem portion 14 (FIG. 4) which is thenused as a cane.

A further consideration of particular importance with children is theundesirable stigma attached to conventional walking aids. Thus inaccordance with another aspect of this invention a kit is provided tominimize the stigma ofthe walking aid being simply for therapeuticpurposes and to render the walking aid more desirable for use by achild. The kit includes a removable handle portion 68 which is in theform of the head of an animal or other caricature. In order to carry outthis theme and to have the walking aid appear desirable as a toy to thechild, removable sleeves 70 are also provided in the kit to be insertedover each leg 16 and over the stem 14. Since the lengths of the legs andstem can vary sleeves 70 are also adjustable in length by the provisionsof bellows construction 72. The sleeves 70 are made of such a diameteras to be close fitting over primary leg portions 18 and primary stemportion 52. The lower ends of the sleeve are held in position by beingtucked under caps 66. (Of course the sleeve may alternatively slip overcaps 66 or simply abut the caps.) The upper end of sleeve 70 on stem 14can also be tucked under handle portion 68 while removable snap rings(not shown) can be provided for securing the upper ends of sleeves 70 tothe legs 16. To further carry out the theme of the animal or caricature,shell 74 is also provided to fit over central member or casting 12 (FIG.3). To add variety to the type of caricatures of animals depicted by thewalking aid, readily removable head portions can be provided on thehandle. This can be done by simply completely removing the handleportion 68 or by forming the handle portion in two parts. For example asshown in FIG. 8 one part 76 acts as the gripping portion of the handleand could be left on the stem 14 over long periods of time, while aneasily removable head portion 78 could be detachably connected theretoso that the type of animal or caricature could be easily changed asoften as desirable.

Although FIG. 12 illustrates threaded portion 63 to be integral withplug 24, these parts may be separate with threaded portion 63 secured inprimary leg 18 by crimping primary leg 18 on the enlarged head ofthreaded portion 63. Similarly plug 24 would contain a recessed portionfitting into primary leg 18.

FIGS. 14-15 show a modified plug 74. As indicated therein plug 74includes recessed portion 76 contained in primary leg 18 by crimping leg18 to groove 78 of recessed portion 76. Other types of suitablesecurement of the plug 74 to leg 18 may, of course, be used. Plug 74includes an upstanding wall 80 having a plurality of upwardly projectingratchet teeth 82 which are disposed along an arc which is the segment ofa circle having its center at 84. juxtaposed therewith is relievedtoothless portion 86 which is disposed along a concentric are having itscenter at 84. A stop shoulder 88 is then juxtaposed to relieved portion86. Remote from upstanding teeth 82 is an offset ledge 90 havingdownwardly projecting ratchet teeth 92 which terminate along an arccoarcuate with teeth 82.

Connected to plug 74 is knuckle 94 by means of any suitable fastener 96disposed along center line 84. Knuckle 94 include corresponding ratchetteeth 98, 100 which mate with teeth 88, 92 on plug 74. Similarly,knuckle 94 includes a relieved portion which rides on relieved portion86 of plug 84 and also includes a stop shoulder 104 which abuts againstshoulder 88 when the plug and nozzle are vertically aligned.

For further limiting the extent of angular positioning enlarged tooth 93and stop shoulder 89 are provided on plug 74 with corresponding elementsbeing on the knuckle 94.

To adjust the angular positioning of knuckle 94 with respect to leg 18fasteners 96 are removed and the plug and knuckle are manipulated to thedesired angular positioning and are then fixed in this position by themating of corresponding parts when fasteners 96 are secured. As isapparent plug 74 has utility as a joint, not only for the walking aidbut also for controlling the angular positioning of any pair of members.

FIGS. 16l7 show a modified handle portion. As indicated therein, stem 14terminates in inclined portion 106 which is slidably received injunction member 108. As better shown in FIG. 17, junction member 108includes a split side having openings 110 and 112. A tubular grippingmember 114 is slidably received in opening 112 while inclined portion106 is received in opening 110. The precise positioning of members 106and 114 may also be adjusted by rotating the members in their respectiveopenings before fasteners 116 are tightened to then fix the positioningof members 106 and 114. A sleeve 118 covers gripping portion 114 asshown in FIG. 16. Additionally, to carry out the aesthetic theme of thewalking aid, a head 120 or caricature is snapped into opening 122ofjunction member 108.

A still further advantage of the walking aid 10 is that because of thedetachability of the various parts walking aid As is apparent because ofthe adjustability of legs 16, the

legs can be arranged in such a manner so as not to interfere withwalking by the user otherwise stepping into or kicking the legs.

In a modified form of construction (not shown) primary leg 18 may bebent at a fixedangle so that it includes an upper vertical portionjoined to an angular integral lower portion. The upper vertical wouldreplace knuckle 26 of the illustrated construction. This modifiedconstruction would have the rotational adjustability of the illustratedconstruction but would lack its angular adjustment. The modifiedconstruction would, however, be more economical to manufacture whilebeing completely suitable for certain therapeutic applications.

As is readily apparent walking aid thus provides a completely versatiledevice which is suitable for maximizing the therapeutic application tovarious users having different needs. Additionally, walking aid .10 isparticularly suitable for use by children due to the attractive toylikeappearance of the device. Moreover walking aid 10 can easily be packagedor stored during nonuse. In view of these advantages the walking aid ofthis invention effectively satisfies the need for such a singleuniversally usable device.

We claim:

1. A walking aid comprising a body member, a central stem secured tosaid body member and having a handle portion disposed above said bodymember, a plurality of legs angularly secured to said body member, eachof said legs being rotatable with respect to said body member, each 'ofsaid legs being rotatable with respect to said body member, each of saidlegs being extendable and retractable in effective length, and fasteningmeans, removably securing each leg to said body member whereby thenumbering and positioning of said legs may be varied in accordance withthe needs of a user.

2. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stem is slidablyand rotationally arranged in said body member.

3. A walking aid as set forth in claim 2 wherein said handle portion ofsaid stem is substantially J-shaped having a longer substantiallyhorizontal leg portion disposed remote from said body member.

4. A walking aid as set forth in claim 3 wherein said body memberincludes an opening for each of said legs, each of said legs having aknuckle fitting in its respective opening whereby said leg may rotate insaid opening, and first serration means for holding said leg inpredetermined rotational positions.

5. A walking aid as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said legsincludes a primary leg pivotally secured to its knuckle, and secondserration means for holding said primary leg in predetermined angularpositions.

6. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 wherein said knuckle includes athreaded extension, a secondary leg telescopically received in saidprimary leg, and a nut in said secondary leg threadably engaging saidthreaded extension.

7. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 including limit means forlimiting the degree of pivoting of said primary leg with respect to itsknuckle.

8. A walking aid as set forth in claim 7 wherein a tubular member ismounted on said horizontal leg portion of said han dle, said tubularmember being in the form of a caricature of a head, a removabledecorative sleeve being on said stem, and a removable decorative sleevebeing on each of said legs.

9. A walking aid as set forth in claim 8 wherein a cap is movablysecured to the lower end of each said legs and of said stem, the lowerend of each of said decorative sleeves being inserted under its cap, theupper end of said decorative sleeve on said stem being inserted undersaid tubular member, each of said sleeves including a bellows section topermit a change in length of each sleeve, and a decorative shelldisposed around said body member.

10. A walking aid as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tubular memberincludes a tubular gripping portion and a head portion removably securedthereto.

11. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of saidlegsineludes a secondary leg telescopically arranged in its primary leg,means for locking the telescopic positioning of each secondary leg withrespect to its primary leg, said stem including a primary stem and asecondary stern telescopically arranged therein, and means for lockingthe telescopic positioning of said secondary stem with respect to saidprimary stem.

12. A walking aid as set forth in claim 11 wherein said body memberincludes a split ring collar having a pair of juxtaposed flanges,fastening means securing said flanges together to control the size ofthe opening in said collar, a bushing in said opening in said collar,and said stem being inserted in said bushing.

13. A walking aid as set forth in claim 12 wherein a plug is force fitinto each of said primary legs, said plug having serrations, adhesivemeans in said plug serrations further securing said plug to its primaryleg, each plug being pivotally secured to its knuckle, said body memberbeing four-leaf clover shaped with an opening in each leaf, and one ofsaid knuckles being inserted in each opening.

14. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle portionincludes a junction member rotatably secured to said central stern, anda generally horizontally arcuate gripping member rotatably secured tosaid junction member.

15. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening meansincludes a plug inserted into each of said legs and a knuckle removablysecuring each plug to said body member, each plug having a recessedportion at its bottom thereof for fitting into its leg, said plug havingan upstanding wall with a plurality of upwardly projecting ratchet teethterminating along an are which is the segment of a circle, a relievedtoothless portion juxtaposed to said ratchet teeth and disposed I alonga concentric arc therewith, a shoulder juxtaposed to said relivedportion, said plug further having a ledge disposed remote from saidupwardly projecting teeth, a plurality of downwardly projecting ratchetteeth in said ledge terminating along an arc coarcuatewith said upwardlyprojecting teeth, connecting means disposed at the center of said circleconnecting said plug to its knuckle, and each knuckle having upwardlyand downwardly projecting ratchet teeth and a relieved portion matingwith corresponding teeth and relieved portion on its plug.

